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In Memoriam
Who: Andre and open to all
When: Sunset
Where: The dining room
Andre had tried to keep things short. It had been hard to fight his natural instincts to "speechify" and go on for a long time, but he knew this wasn't the time for that. Besides, as much as he didn't want to admit it, he knew that some of the people didn't necessarily share his beliefs, and in the current situation, he was learning that he needed to focus more on comforting than converting. There would be a time for that. When they were ready, they would come to him, and he would lead them to the Lord. His head still sporting a small bandage from getting busted open- it had looked worse than it actually was-, he closed his Bible and recited from memory.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
He crossed over to the table he'd set up earlier, decorating it with a homemade cross and several candles he'd managed to scrounge up from the storage room that the hotel had obviously saved for fancy dinners. "At this time, as you feel led, I'd like to offer everyone an opportunity to remember those who are no longer with us. Come up, light a candle, and if you like, share something about the people you're remembering with us. As long as we remember them, they are never truly gone. Once I get the feeling that everyone has had their chance, I'll wrap things up. Now if you don't mind, I'll start."
He turned and picked up the clicky lighter and lit the first candle. He didn't turn to face anyone, but kept his gaze on the flickering flame. He didn't know how well he was going to hold up, and he wanted to appear strong for the others. "Sandra Washington. You were a beautiful woman, a wonderful partner, and an amazing servant of the Lord. I didn't deserve having someone like you in my life, but somehow you stuck with me through the good times and the bad." His eyes began to tear up a little, although he quickly wiped them. "I miss ya, baby. I miss your smile, your laugh, I miss holding you and sleeping next to you. I miss your beautiful voice. But I know when my time comes, you'll be right there, waitin' for me. I love you, baby." He stood for a moment, wiping the few tears that had come, then kissed the tips of his index and middle fingers before raising them to the sky. After he collected himself, he turned back around, then stepped back to let anyone else who wanted have their turn.
When: Sunset
Where: The dining room
Andre had tried to keep things short. It had been hard to fight his natural instincts to "speechify" and go on for a long time, but he knew this wasn't the time for that. Besides, as much as he didn't want to admit it, he knew that some of the people didn't necessarily share his beliefs, and in the current situation, he was learning that he needed to focus more on comforting than converting. There would be a time for that. When they were ready, they would come to him, and he would lead them to the Lord. His head still sporting a small bandage from getting busted open- it had looked worse than it actually was-, he closed his Bible and recited from memory.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
He crossed over to the table he'd set up earlier, decorating it with a homemade cross and several candles he'd managed to scrounge up from the storage room that the hotel had obviously saved for fancy dinners. "At this time, as you feel led, I'd like to offer everyone an opportunity to remember those who are no longer with us. Come up, light a candle, and if you like, share something about the people you're remembering with us. As long as we remember them, they are never truly gone. Once I get the feeling that everyone has had their chance, I'll wrap things up. Now if you don't mind, I'll start."
He turned and picked up the clicky lighter and lit the first candle. He didn't turn to face anyone, but kept his gaze on the flickering flame. He didn't know how well he was going to hold up, and he wanted to appear strong for the others. "Sandra Washington. You were a beautiful woman, a wonderful partner, and an amazing servant of the Lord. I didn't deserve having someone like you in my life, but somehow you stuck with me through the good times and the bad." His eyes began to tear up a little, although he quickly wiped them. "I miss ya, baby. I miss your smile, your laugh, I miss holding you and sleeping next to you. I miss your beautiful voice. But I know when my time comes, you'll be right there, waitin' for me. I love you, baby." He stood for a moment, wiping the few tears that had come, then kissed the tips of his index and middle fingers before raising them to the sky. After he collected himself, he turned back around, then stepped back to let anyone else who wanted have their turn.
